Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need for unity and collective resolve to eliminate terrorism, stating that Pakistan cannot move forward without crushing this menace. “To root out terrorism, everyone must come together and be on the same page,” he remarked during his address at the apex committee meeting of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
The Prime Minister commended the sacrifices of security forces in the fight against terrorism, noting, “Our security forces are making daily sacrifices to ensure the nation’s safety.” He also congratulated all parties involved in the Parachinar peace agreement, adding, “What happened in Parachinar should never have occurred and must never be repeated.”
Highlighting the importance of economic stability linked to political stability, PM Sharif shared promising economic progress, including:
- Significant reductions in electricity prices through relentless efforts.
- Improvement in macroeconomic indicators, with inflation down to 4.1% since 2018.
- A 34% rise in remittances over five months.
- Foreign exchange reserves reaching $12.5 billion.
- The stock exchange achieving historic highs.
The Prime Minister attributed these achievements to effective teamwork and management, despite challenges from external and internal disruptions over the past nine and a half months.
PM Sharif also underscored the importance of regional collaboration, noting, “Our relationships with Central Asian states are flourishing, and there is keen interest in strengthening ties with Pakistan to enhance exports and trade.” He further highlighted successful MOUs signed with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.
The Prime Minister concluded by reiterating the importance of mutual cooperation and collective efforts to overcome challenges and ensure Pakistan’s progress.
